Top U.S. officials have intensified their warnings to military allies, criticizing their refusal to assist with the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran and its regional repercussions. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to NATO allies, suggesting the possibility of withdrawing from the transatlantic alliance altogether.
In an interview with The Telegraph on Wednesday morning, Trump stated, “I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration,” when asked if the United States might reconsider its NATO membership after the Middle East conflict concludes.
The president expressed frustration over NATO allies’ resistance to joining the U.S. and Israeli efforts against Iran, including their refusal to support reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a vital energy route that Tehran has blocked in response to recent bombardments. Trump criticized NATO, saying, “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”
These remarks followed comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that Washington might need to reassess its relationship with NATO once the Iran conflict ends, further escalating tensions with European allies accused of withholding support.
Additionally, Trump criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Britain’s lack of support in the conflict, mocking the UK’s naval capabilities. “You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work,” he said, belittling Britain’s military strength.